Tennessee is making its final preparations to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Rivals has released an All-Playoff team ahead of the CFP's opening game between Notre Dame and Indiana on Friday night.
The Vols had one player make the All-Playoff team — star sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy. He has been the anchor of Tennessee's secondary throughout the season and has proven to be one of the best defensive backs in the country and the College Football Playoff.
"A two-star coming out of Whitehouse, Texas, McCoy was originally committed to Tulane but flipped to Oregon State late in his senior season," Adam Gorney of Rivals.com wrote.
"McCoy spent one season in Corvallis where he had seven pass breakups and two interceptions and then transferred to Tennessee where he's become one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Leading the Vols' defense that's not even giving up 14 points per game, McCoy has four INTs and nine pass breakups, both team highs."
He's one of the many valuable contributors Josh Heupel has brought to Rocky Top out of the transfer portal. McCoy has started all 12 games for Tennessee this year and led the team with 13 pass deflections and four interceptions, which also ties the most in the conference.
With the expected weather in Tennessee's first-round CFP game, it could be a challenge for either team to push the ball down the field. If McCoy can bring the same energy and performance as he has brought throughout the season,
McCoy's cutting off a quarter of the passing game could be vital in Tennessee's securing a win on the road. The Vols and Buckeyes kick off at 8:00 PM ET on Saturday night in the primetime matchup in the first round of the Playoffs.